3
May 2016
Lowcountry, Kiawah Prepare
for Early Mosquito Season
After Record Rainfall
and Mild Winter
When you think of summers in the
Lowcountry, many things come to
October flooding, warm winter
mind - warmer weather, trips to the
may lead to above average
beach, and even cold tropical drinks.
mosquito season
Unfortunately the warmer weather also
KICA provides mosquito ground brings in some less desirable elements,
control on Kiawah Island
including one of our more notorious
pests, mosquitoes. After historic
Members can help by eliminating
rains and floods that left the ground
standing water around homes
saturated in many areas, followed by
a mild winter, the Lowcountry is preparing for an early and
aggressive onset of mosquito season.
Story Highlights
There are 61 species of mosquitoes that reside in South Carolina.
The freshwater, backyard mosquitoes remain within 100 yards of
their birthplace and fly only during the day. However, salt marsh
mosquitoes, which are common in the Lowcountry, can travel as
far as 100 miles and are more aggressive biters.
With Kiawah Island’s marsh habitats, mosquitoes can be an
issue. However, KICA and Charleston County both employ a
variety of methods to keep these populations under control. The
county employs both aerial spraying (via plane and/or helicopter)
and ground control methods throughout the Charleston area to
combat mosquitoes (visit charlestoncounty.org to view a treatment
schedule). Led by the Lakes Management team, KICA provides
all ground control treatment on Kiawah. All three Lakes
Management staff members are highly trained and educated in
pesticide treatment, holding Certified Pesticide Applicator licenses
in both Public Health Pest Control and Aquatic Pest Control.
“We have the island divided up into 31 mosquito zones,” said
KICA Lakes Supervisor Matt Hill. We use similar equipment to
Digest Contributors
Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer
Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer
Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer
Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer
Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter
Deb Stewart - Member Volunteer
what Charleston County uses to treat both adult and larval stage
mosquitoes throughout the island.”
KICA staff treat Kiawah’s storm drains (curb inlets, road drains,
golf course drains, etc.) with a larvicide, which is a growth
inhibitor that prevents larval stage mosquitoes from growing
into biting adults. This larvicide treatment lasts approximately
five months. In addition, smaller larvicide tablets can be used
to treat persistent standing water due to heavy or frequent
rainfall. Staff members also perform weekly mosquito counts to
determine if spraying for adult mosquitoes is needed in a specific
zone. If spraying is needed, they use a truck-mounted sprayer to
treat these areas. Spraying is done overnight (typically between
the hours of 4 - 6 a.m.) to maximize safety and effectiveness
“Mosquito control is a delicate balance of trying to make humans
comfortable while not adversely impacting the surrounding
environment,” said Hill. “By using specific spraying methods,
scheduling and coordination, we try to maintain that balance.”
Hill cautions that though KICA and the county perform
treatments, property owners can help control the mosquito
population as well.
“The main thing members can do is ensure that there is no
standing water around their property,” said Hill. “Things like
buckets, bird baths, etc. that hold standing water are prime
breeding grounds for these pests.”
Hill advises that if you are experiencing mosquito problems at
your property, contact the KICA Lakes Department and they
will come and treat if needed. To reach KICA Lakes, call 843768-2315 or email [email protected].
Staff Production Team
Doug Reynolds - Communications/Editor
Tammy McAdory - Executive Director
accurately and effectively communicate information to the
membership in a balanced and constructive manner.
Statement of Editorial Policy
KICA will endeavor to report significant island news as well
as informational topics, programs and events of interest to its
members. KICA may from time to time publish editorials in support
Kiawah Island Digest is an official communications tool of of its strategic objectives. Member suggestions on content should
the Kiawah Island Community Association. Its mission is to
be submitted by email to [email protected]
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